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Dinosaur Express Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: June 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

In a world where innovation and nostalgia converge, the Dinosaur Express train rides capture the essence of both. Combining the timeless charm of rail travel with the fantasy of prehistoric adventure, these experiences offer a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Across the United States, families can embark on these journeys to discover the wonder of dinosaurs while traversing some of the country's most scenic landscapes. Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating world of these unique excursions, which have grown in popularity, available from coast to coast.

A Journey Back in Time: The Concept of Dinosaur Express

The concept of Dinosaur themed train rides merges the love for trains with the excitement and history surrounding dinosaurs. Often set up as themed events, these experiences are designed to delight children and intrigue adults, offering educational tidbits about dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and sometimes even themed costumes and storytelling.

The Dinosaur Train Experience

Inspired by the popularity of dinosaurs in children’s media, many of these experiences draw inspiration from beloved television shows such as "Dinosaur Train." This animation series has spurred real-world interpretations, where families can board trains decorated as if stepping directly into the show. These adventures are typically seasonal, aligning with school vacations and holidays, making them a perfect family outing.

Notable Rides Throughout The U.S.

While there are many others, here are handful of some of the most popular dinosaur-themed excursions available around the country.

Colorado Railroad Museum

The museum's annual "Dinosaur Express Train" is hosted each spring as it teaches kids about these reptiles, with experts providing insights into the prehistoric giants that once roamed the area.  The train is pulled by one of the museum's currently two operational steam locomotives. Kids and parents alike can enjoy the storytelling, fossil exhibits, and the scenic train trip that highlights Colorado's natural beauty.

Dinosaur World

Dinosaur World is an enthralling theme park with locations in Florida, Kentucky, and Texas that offers visitors an immersive prehistoric experience. Located in a lush, expansive space designed to resemble the ancient habitats of these magnificent creatures, the park features life-sized dinosaur replicas meticulously crafted for realism.

Guests can explore various exhibits that bring the Mesozoic era to life, complete with educational displays and interactive elements. The park offers a range of attractions, including guided tours, fossil digs, and 3D presentations that delve into the fascinating world of dinosaurs. With activities tailored for all ages, from young enthusiasts to seasoned paleontologists, this unique attraction provides a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Onsite restaurants and gift shops enhance the visitor experience, ensuring a complete day out for families and dinosaur lovers alike. Emphasizing safety and knowledge, the park aims to inspire curiosity about earth's history and foster appreciation for the natural world.

While the attraction does not operate an authentic train ride, pulled by historic locomotives and passenger cars, they do utilize a "trackless train", the Dino Express, that travels around the grounds allowing guests to witness all of the on-site exhibits.

2. **California’s Roaring Camp Railroads**

In the heart of California, the Roaring Camp Railroads hosts special themed rides such as the Dinosaur Train. The journey through redwood forests adds an element of otherworldliness to the trip. Passengers are entertained with stories and meet "Paleontologists" who share details about dinosaurs and the ancient forests. The lush, towering trees set a perfect backdrop, reminiscent of a time when dinosaurs might have called such landscapes home.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad

The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad hosts the "Dinosaur Express Train" on select dates each spring where the entire family can see exhibits, take part in a bone dig, and watch dinosaurs wondering around the train.

Operating since 1869, the heritage railroad showcases historical rail cars and locomotives. Visitors can enjoy leisurely rides through the picturesque Susquehanna River valley, experiencing the area's natural beauty and local history. Themed excursions, like fall foliage tours and Christmas trains, add seasonal enchantment.

Managed by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society, CCVRR emphasizes preservation and education, while providing a nostalgic train experience for families and railroad enthusiasts. Its popularity is bolstered by the rich narratives of regional railroad history.

French Lick Scenic Railway

The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana hosts the "Dino Adventure Train" in June and September each year.  It includes a 2 1/2 hour ride to the Paleo Adventure Camp during which time the kiddos can enjoy face painting, bouncy houses, live entertainment, and more!

A Lasting Impression

Dinosaur themed train rides are more than just an excursion—they are memories in the making. The combination of historic railroads with the wonders of the dinosaur age provides an enriching family experience that both educates and entertains. As the trains roll across beautiful landscapes, it’s a journey back in time that leaves passengers with a deeper appreciation for history and a newfound curiosity about the world’s prehistory.

These excursions, dotted across the U.S., prove that the fascination with dinosaurs is timeless, and when paired with the charm of train travel, they create a truly unbeatable adventure for all ages. Whether in the vibrant foliage of upstate New York or the sun-dappled woods of Texas, a trip on the Dinosaur Express promises an unforgettable ride into the past.